The 7 Best Cash-Back Credit Cards

Credit card issuers are still marketing aggressively for new customers, which means consumers — particularly those with good credit scores — have a lot of options if they’re in the market for a new card. Cards with rewards programs that let consumers earn cash back for their purchases are the most popular type, according to Capital One, so issuers are rolling out more of these offers in response. But more choice means more options: Which one is best for you?

A survey conducted by Bankrate of 50 cash back cards offered by 19 issuers found that nearly half of today’s cash back offers give cardholders 1% back right at the outset. Depending on your spending habits or savings goals, however, some cards offer accelerated rewards of up to 6%. Here are the cards that rose to the top in Bankrate’s breakdown of redemption rates.

Bank of America’s Accelerated Rewards American Express

Best for: People who want a straightforward cash back card
Why: 1.25% redemption rate on all purchases
Annual fee: None

Best for: People new to the U.S. or others with sparse credit histories
Why: People with slim credit files can qualify, and it offers access to a free online guide about credit in addition to 2% cash back on travel and no foreign transaction fees; 1% cash back on other purchases
Annual fee: None

Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express

Best for: People who have or want to start an investment or brokerage account
Why: 2% cash back on purchases, with rewards deposited into a Fidelity investment account
Annual fee: None

Fidelity Retirement Rewards American Express

Best for: People saving for retirement
Why: 2% cash back on purchases, with rewards deposited into a Fidelity retirement account
Annual fee: none

Fidelity 529 College Rewards American Express

Best for: People who anticipate having to pay for college in the future
Why: 2% cash back on purchases, with rewards deposited into a Fidelity 529 education savings account
Annual fee: None